I must agree with you here, gentrification is the last thing this town needs. My partner and I rent at present and we're a few pay rises from taking our first steps onto the property ladder. I have to say however, that even though we don't currently own property, our hearts are very much tied to this town. Both of my parents were born and raised in Chiswick as was I, and I have lived in Brentford for close to 20 years now. Turnham Green, with its centerpiece Church, Town Hall, Post office and Cricket Pitch, has just about managed to maintain the character of Chiswick. However, the homogenization of the high street is plain to see. Brentford on the other hand is just about holding on. Of course I want to see the area improved, but done respectfully with emphasis on independent retailers and plenty of that proud industrial town character that existed when my grandfather was a young man remaining intact! Granted, our High Street desperately needs a few 'name' shops in order to keep it alive. 4pm on a Saturday and it looks much like a ghost town which is sad to witness. A characterless facelift, alongside a plethora of Bars & Coffee shops, is something that must be resisted by anyone who cares about preserving the individual nature of this town, even if it means someone getting a little less money than they would like when I finally place my foot on the first rung of that ladder!
Nick Signal ● 6685d